How to avoid client's political views?

Question

I am a salesman, I would not want to call myself a professional but I am pretty good at what I do. I know how to handle pretty much any question or situation and get the best out of it. However, I have recently faced a problem with one of my clients that I need help with! The problem was started when I found out that my client feels really strong about his political views and that everything that he believes in is against my views. I am perhaps the most centered guy when it comes to politics and always try to keep everyone happy regardless of what they believe in, but this man’s political views are so extreme, that lets just say it is against every single definition that humanity stands for! In our meeting today I did my best to avoid his questions about my political views, but he feels really strong about what he believes in and I know for a fact that if he does not get his answers he will not buy! So, my question is this: Is there an approach of dealing with this kind of situation, without losing this very valuable client without agreeing with him? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Answer 1

Well, avoiding it would be the most PC thing to do or agreeing to disagree. I'm a Libertarian and have dealt with people who think that the United States needs to be even MORE of a nanny state... it's nuts. You don't need to agree with everyone, but mirroring can really help improve sales if you can do it somewhat honestly. If you're a complete 180, just say that it isn't professional to discuss politics or religion.

Answer 2

I have told clients and fellow employees that the only way that you will know my political point of view is stand in the polling booth with me. I follow that with "of course that would be against the voting laws and I would need to have you arrested" May be that is why I have never been a very good salesman. Sometimes the things you are asked to do or say are not worth the sale. Good luck

Answer 3

Dear Mr Salesman: Your question is one of values. Assuming for one moment that your description of this situation is correct (especially the part of "against every single definition humanity stands for), I recommend the following:

- You need to present this situation to your supervisor. He/She (if they have some common sense) will intervene with this client to ascertain the client / his behavior. Sometimes a client needs to be fired by the company. If that is not the case, you have a choice to make

- Either you "play it out" and pretend something you are not, trade this client's account with another salesman, or quit.

Nobody said life was easy!

Answer 4

try to remain cool. remember he is your client. i put up with it for 50 years. our company policy was be professional. religion politics and sex not to be talked about.your client might turn you in and give a twisted story. it happened to myself and other co workers. It was hard todo my last 25 years iwas a driving instructor I used the rule 98% of your clients are great 2% cause 98% of your problems Good luck.

Answer 5

If you are a real salesman, as you say you are, then you should know the answer in your heart...............
You must agree with him, you must do everything in your power to sell more to him and make sure he doesn't go elsewhere else to buy. If you can't do that, then you ain't a real salesman.
Your personal views are your own, for you to know. If you are doing your job properly then you should know that you have to do anything to close that sale, which for you means just temporarily pretending you agree with his views.
You don't really have to believe in what he says, just pretend you do. That my friend is the harsh reality of selling.
Good luck, and let's hope he doesn't buy off one of your rivals who might well really agree with his views!!!!

Answer 6

put a button democrat and one Republican on each side of your coat..